Natalie could relate to that. The kayaking trip had been for her too. She’d been set to leave that first day. The release she’d felt out on the water, her delight in all the sea creatures and the sheer bliss of simply enjoying herself had been her reason to stay.

“Charlie went out again this morning with a group and my cousin Ron. Ron takes kayak tours, and mud crabbing and fishing trips. He said Charlie did a good job.” The smile returned to Rosie’s face.

“I saw mud crabbing on the list of things to do.”

“Would you like to go?”

Natalie screwed up her nose. “I’m not sure about that. Gabe showed me some pictures of the crabs. They’re huge.”

“Monsters.” Rosie tipped her head back and laughed. Natalie took a sip of her tea and the restlessness she’d felt all morning dropped away. Being with Rosie was like being in the company of someone she’d known for years instead of a few days. It reminded her of Brenda and the huge hole her move had left in Natalie’s life. Brenda had been one of a kind.

“Have you got kids?”

Rosie’s question shifted her thoughts to the family she’d run away from.

“Yes, three girls.”

Rosie’s gaze strayed back to the photos.

“You have a daughter, you said.”

“Angela. Now she’s my angel.” Rosie wasn’t looking at Natalie but somewhere into the distance. “She died in a car accident along with her dad.”

“Oh, Rosie.” Natalie felt bad for raising such sad memories. “I’m so sorry.”

“It was a long time ago. We lived in Perth then. My sons were all under ten. I brought them back here. They’ve grown up now. Doing well for themselves. They’re always wanting me to go and live with them but two are in Melbourne and one in Perth. I visit them. I’ve got grandies now but I won’t leave here for long. My mum’s here.” Once more she glanced at the photos. “Coming home healed me when I thought I wouldn’t be able to go on living. There’s something about this place…I don’t want to leave.”

“I can understand why,” Natalie said. “It’s beautiful country.”

“I’m glad you stayed.” Rosie fixed her penetrating gaze on Natalie. “You seem to be a lot happier.”

“How can I not be happy when I’m holidaying in paradise?” Natalie glanced away from Rosie’s stare to the frangipani tree she could see through the window.

“You’re carrying something inside you that’s causing you to hurt.”

“Am I?” Natalie tried to make light of it but didn’t shift her gaze from the tree, still sensing the intensity of Rosie’s look.

“Gabe noticed it too.”

“Did he?”